This is a place where free speech and public debate are welcomed and encouraged. The Speakers’ Corner originated in the mid-19th century at London’s Hyde Park. The concept spread worldwide both physically and now virtually. Here at the Arizona Progress & Gazette, we are presenting this platform in the form of question-and-answer style interviews with people who have had a meaningful impact on the community.
Steve Casares is a Citizen of Scottsdale, Arizona, having moved with his family to the area in October 1998. Steve is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 2009, representing our Congressional district. He is a member of the first graduating class at Notre Dame Preparatory, Scottsdale, Class of 2005. Steve recently completed educating at the United States Military Academy at West Point, as an Assistant Professor of Leadership and Ethics to our Nation’s Cadets. He initially served as a civilian and loved educating so much, he sought to be reactivated into active duty to continue to teach the Cadets of West Point. Steve returned to Scottsdale, his home, our home, in July of 2023. Steve’s other military assignments include Fort Campbell, KY, Arlington National Cemetery, and The Pentagon. Steve is also a Bronze Star recipient for services rendered in Afghanistan.
What prompted you run for Scottsdale City Council?
Very simply, this is my home. My parents live here; my close friends live here and are raising young families; I intend to raise a family of my own here one day. I will also likely be teaching either this semester or next semester at my old high school—Notre Dame Prep. I desire to continue to represent and serve Scottsdale, this time as a legislator. I believe my career as an intelligence officer in the United States Army has enabled me to work effectively as a member of a team as well as decisively lead. My thoroughness, discipline, and sound judgment would be value-added to the Council, Staff, and Citizens of our city.
What is your definition of smart growth? 
Smart growth for me, in the context of city planning and urban development, is managing essential City services and infrastructure with continued population growth and urbanization. For Scottsdale, this includes, but is not limited to:
1) Revitalized and efficient public transportation.
2) Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into existing city infrastructure, such as water recycling and distribution, traffic signals, etc.
3) Ensuring new single-family homes are both of sound construction quality and affordable for median income earners.
4) Recruiting and retaining innovation-centric companies, whether they be processed-based or product-based.
I encourage your readers to take a quick look at a recent piece from Forbes online, addressing the rise of ‘smart cities’. While I disagree with some points and solutions, it is an excellent analysis of what population growth forces planners and policy makers to consider. Intelligent City’s Blueprint for the Future City
What do you think are some short term and long term solutions to solving Scottsdale’s housing shortage?
The Scottsdale housing shortage must be observed in the context as a multi-faceted issue requiring a multi-faceted solution. Furthermore, this is a regional issue, so any viable solution will likely be a regional one involving our sister cities. This recent piece from the New York Times summarizes our predicament both in Scottsdale and Maricopa County at-large.
In the short-term, local developers need to start on approved, non-initiated projects for multi-unit housing, of which there are approximately 10,000 in Scottsdale alone—the delays are a part of the problem.
Do you consider traffic to be a problem in Scottsdale and if so, what solutions would you propose?
Yes, vehicular congestion is an issue which needs to be addressed. The three intersections that consistently come up in conversation as I speak with voters are Frank Lloyd Wright (FLW) and Scottsdale Road; FLW and 101; and northbound on Scottsdale Road at the 101. I would also add in Shea Blvd between Scottsdale Road and 92nd Street. Speaking with fellow Citizens the past six months, and based on observation over the past several years, these intersections are the most troublesome.
Community engagement and dialogue should be the starting point for any proposed modifications to the City’s transportation plan. It is the duty of a legislator to listen, learn, and provide information to our City Staff for the development of feasible options.
Explore additional options via a task force of a potential causeway to commute non-Scottsdale residents into our City for work.
What is your vision for the future of Downtown Scottsdale?
I envision Downtown the way I knew it as a teenager, young adult, working professional, and now candidate for public office. That is, for me, unique, clean, pedestrian-friendly and a continued driver of economic growth. More tangibly, the current Council recently voted to move forward with new parking facilities, beginning first with the proposed location at Stetson Avenue and 6th Avenue. I believe that was a good decision.
What is the best way to preserve Scottsdale’s quality of life?
First and foremost, everyone as time allows in our busy schedules, to be positively and actively engaged in our political processes, civic events, faith communities (if applicable), and other civic groups. I personally love volunteering at VFW Post 3513 in South Scottsdale, attending church events at my parish St. Bernadette (although technically PHX!), and hiking our McDowell Sonoran Preserve as much as possible. High quality of life is derived from the strength and peace you find within close communities.
The Blue Zones Project has an excellent model of creating and facilitating areas conducive to collective health, such as healthier restaurants, aiding teachers in their development of students (Echo Canyon), and workplace environments. I admit when I returned home to Scottsdale last year, I was unfamiliar with Blue Zones, but now I see the value they provide to Scottsdale to maintain our quality of life.
Scottsdale has had a number of impactful elected leaders. Who do you think was the most impactful?
Although I was young at the time, I now see the effects of her tenure as an elected official—Mary Manross. Mrs. Manross as our Mayor enabled net positives in economic growth, increased Scottsdale’s national stature as a perfect vacation destination, and engaged effectively with Citizens.
Do you support or oppose the To Protect and To Preserve ballot measure?
Support.
Do you support or oppose the Permanent Base Adjustment ballot measure?
Support.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure restaurant?
You can never be guilty eating pizza! I really enjoy Lorenzo’s Pizza & Pasta at the NE corner of Scottsdale Road and Pinnacle Peak Road. Their BBQ chicken pizza is awesome, the staff are exceedingly polite, and its modest size and décor remind you of a small-town pizza shop!